Fletcher Wildlife Garden

November 30, 2018

The Barred Owl continues to elude us, though many people have seen it.  A quick check of the feeders netted us a few of the common species, including a Dark-eyed (Oregon) Junco.  The House Finch is showing obvious signs of the eye disease that they are prone to.

Strathcona Park

November 24, 2018

We dropped off MJ at the Westin to meet her friend and headed down to Strathcona Park on the Rideau River.  We were expecting it to be cold, but it was actually rather nice.

We saw lots of Common Goldeneye and Mallards at the foot bridge and below.

We headed upstream towards Hurdsman Bridge and soon spotted a Barrow's Goldeneye among the Commons and a few gulls.

We crossed over the former train bridge and saw both male and female Common Mergansers.

We returned on the other side of the river getting more views of the Barrow's.  We also saw a Hairy Woodpecker.

At the pedestrian bridge, we saw a female Common Goldeneye up close and also an American Black Duck.

Fletcher Again - Cedar Waxwings & Common Redpolls

November 19, 2018

An Eastern Bluebird and Barred Owl were still being reported, so we headed over again.  We saw neither but got some good stuff.

There were all kinds of people there, most of whom had never seen before.  There were several flocks of Cedar Waxwings and Pine Grosbeaks.

We met Jamie Spence again, and he led us to a flock of about 100 Common Redpolls. 

In the distance we spotted a Red-tailed Hawk perched high in a tree.

We went to the feeder behind the OFNC building and saw the Fox Sparrow again and some other common birds.

Fletcher Again - Pine Grosbeaks

November 14, 2018

We were certain that the Pine Grosbeaks were still around and warranted another check.  With limited time we checked the feeders and went down the hill to look for the grosbeaks.

We checked lots of fruit trees and came up empty.  Barbara suggested driving the Arboretum loop for a last look. Bingo.  We spotted several Pine Grosbeaks in a tree far below us.  Out of time, we left for our appointments, but Barbara returned and got some great shots.

Starlings and robins were also present.